How to Dial In "Guns Are Loaded" by Daron Malakian and Scars on Broadway - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Guns Are Loaded"
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
On your amp, these numbers won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Dictator (2018). A heavy alt-metal song with tight, riff-driven guitars. Nothing published ties a rig to this song, so a Gibson SG Standard into a Marshall JCM800 2203 stands in. Set a medium-high crunch on the bridge pickup and keep the low end tight. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Guns Are Loaded" Tone
What guitar did Daron Malakian and Scars on Broadway use on "Guns Are Loaded"?
The guitar on "Guns Are Loaded" (released 2018) isn't documented; the Gibson SG Standard above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Guns Are Loaded" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 6, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 6, Volume 6. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale; match them on your amp first, then nudge to taste. ToneMirror can translate these positions for whatever amp you actually own.
Can I play "Guns Are Loaded" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Guns Are Loaded" tone on a Katana, a Helix, a tube combo, or anything else. The translation accounts for EQ curve, gain structure, and pickup type so the result actually sounds like the record, not just the same knob numbers on different gear.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Guns Are Loaded" by Daron Malakian and Scars on Broadway are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.